Heimia salicifolia
Encyclopedia
Heimia Salicifolia is a species of flowering plant
in the Loosestrife
family, Lythraceae
. It is native to the Americas
, ranging from the southwestern United States
(Texas
and New Mexico
) through Mexico
and Central America
to Argentina
. Common names include Shrubby Yellowcrest, Sinicuichi, Sun Opener, Willow-leaf Heimia, Sini, and Elixir of the Sun.
The plant has psychoactive and medicinal properties, and has been used for a variety of ailments by native peoples in Central America and Mexico.
In the method of preparation commonly used, fresh leaves are collected, and allowed to wilt. The leaves are put into a cup or jar, cool water added, and placed in the sun to brew and ferment for at least 24 hours. It is said that during the fermentation process, the knowledge of the sun is embedded into the potion, creating the "Elixir of the Sun."
Heimia Salicifolia is not believed to be addictive. The psychoactive properties of the plant have led to its notoriety as a "legal high," although the effects of Sinicuichi are relatively mild and very short lived in comparison to other entheogenic plants.
Flowering plant
The flowering plants , also known as Angiospermae or Magnoliophyta, are the most diverse group of land plants. Angiosperms are seed-producing plants like the gymnosperms and can be distinguished from the gymnosperms by a series of synapomorphies...
in the Loosestrife
Lythrum
Lythrum is a genus commonly known as loosestrife. It is one of 32 genera of the family Lythraceae.-Selected species:-Formerly placed here:*Cuphea carthagenensis J.F.Macbr....
family, Lythraceae
Lythraceae
Lythraceae are a family of flowering plants. It includes about 620 species of mostly herbs, with some shrubs and trees, in 31 genera. Major genera include Cuphea , Lagerstroemia , Nesaea , Rotala , and Lythrum...
. It is native to the Americas
Americas
The Americas, or America , are lands in the Western hemisphere, also known as the New World. In English, the plural form the Americas is often used to refer to the landmasses of North America and South America with their associated islands and regions, while the singular form America is primarily...
, ranging from the southwestern United States
Southwestern United States
The Southwestern United States is a region defined in different ways by different sources. Broad definitions include nearly a quarter of the United States, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Utah...
(Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
and New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
) through Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
and Central America
Central America
Central America is the central geographic region of the Americas. It is the southernmost, isthmian portion of the North American continent, which connects with South America on the southeast. When considered part of the unified continental model, it is considered a subcontinent...
to Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
. Common names include Shrubby Yellowcrest, Sinicuichi, Sun Opener, Willow-leaf Heimia, Sini, and Elixir of the Sun.
The plant has psychoactive and medicinal properties, and has been used for a variety of ailments by native peoples in Central America and Mexico.
Isolated alkaloids
- Vertine, also known as cryogenine, is regarded as the primary psychoactive component and is also generally the most abundant constituent of alkaloidal extracts. Clinically demonstrated effects include anticholinergic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, hyperglycemic, hypotensive, sedative, tranquilizer, and vasodilator activity.
- Lythrine, the third most abundant alkaloid, has been found to have diuretic activity.
- Heimidine, A minor alkaloid, has been found to have anti-inflammatory activity.
- Lyfoline, the second most abundant alkaloid.
- Lythridine, a minor alkaloid
Spiritual Use
Use of Sinicuichi for shamanic purposes by native peoples of Central America and Mexico has been described. Some of the effects may include the experience of a deep sense of calmness and unity, and the ability to recall the past, even prenatal events, with great clarity.In the method of preparation commonly used, fresh leaves are collected, and allowed to wilt. The leaves are put into a cup or jar, cool water added, and placed in the sun to brew and ferment for at least 24 hours. It is said that during the fermentation process, the knowledge of the sun is embedded into the potion, creating the "Elixir of the Sun."
Heimia Salicifolia is not believed to be addictive. The psychoactive properties of the plant have led to its notoriety as a "legal high," although the effects of Sinicuichi are relatively mild and very short lived in comparison to other entheogenic plants.
Subjective Effects
- Auditory hallucinations (sounds may seem distant)
- Yellowed field of vision
- Drowsiness or sedation
- Mild intoxication; giddiness
- Darkening of vision
- Improved memory function
Physiological Effects
- Slowing of heartbeat
- Muscle relaxation
- Dilation of coronary vessels
- Inhibition of acetylcholine (Debated)
- Reduction of blood pressure